Perhaps inspired by their 2009 flood, forcing them to look else where for a new studio/practice space, Helio Sequence of Portland, OR release their fifth full-length album Negotiations. Completely written, recorded and produced by the duo singer-guitarist Brandon Summers and drummer-keyboardist Benjamin Weikel.

I have been listening to this album loudly and repetitively since their release on September 11, 2012. I suggest you do the same.

I remember, about 3 or 4 years ago, when I had 12 exhibits in 12 months. It was crazy, but it was so good. It was my debut as an artist into this city of Ithaca, the whole reason why I was attracted to this town when I moved here 4 1/2 years ago. With the aspirations of exhibiting my art here.

My first ever solo-exhibit was in July/August of 2009 at a place called Korova. Some may remember the show, some may remember the bar. Lucky for us, we still have the joy of patronizing this bar under its new alias Silky Jones.

Why am I telling you all of this? Well, in a way, this is a reunion show for me and I want you to come celebrate with me. This bar and the people who own it (one special and talented individual by the name Tim Obine) saw something in me. Without a portfolio, without any experience, he asked me to exhibit my art. This was a huge huge HUGE deal. A bigger deal than I even imagined. I had no idea what this show was going to do for me. So, Thanks Tim. Thanks for giving me exhibit to remember. An exhibit to tell all of my friends about (like you). An exhibit that launched me into feeling like a real artist.

Since that exhibit, I married the man of my dreams, founded 2 business (Hazel Wonderland + The Brides Hairstylist) and just recently became self-employed. That’s right, I am my own boss. I have a home studio where I create, get inspired and live the dream of being an artist. When my husband and I first started dating, we came up with the idea of exhibiting my art and his music together. We wanted to share our inspirations, our love, our passion with others.

So, here we are. Grow. Love. Die. is our baby. Our dream of sharing what we are passionate about with you. Come share your passion with us.

What: A multi-media exhibit. My art, his music. You will be able to view my art (very large paintings) and listen to his music that will be composed, recorded and transferred onto an mp3 player. This will be installed on the wall with headphones and the ability to listen to the music that reflects each painting.

Where: Silky Jones – 214 East State Street (The Commons) , Ithaca, New York 14850

When: Opening Night: Friday September 7th, 2012 @6pm . Installation will be up the remainder of the month of September.

More: We are excited to announce that on opening night (this Friday), we will have Sun Spells playing around 8pm. If you don’t know who Sun Spells are, check them out below and at our opening night!

Mail Artis a worldwide cultural movement that began in the early 1960s and involves sending visual art (but also music, sound art, poetry, etc.) through the international postal system. Mail Art is also known as Postal Art or Correspondence Art. The term networking is often used to describe Mail Art activities, based on the principles of barter and equal one-to-one collaboration.

– I then save your address in my little black book and mail you an original piece of Mail Art. You may even receive other fun FREE stuff in the future!

– I create a one-of-a-kind package and ship it to you.

– You receive it, you love it, you enjoy it and you keep it!

– In return, you send Mail Art back to me. No pressure, purchase or artistic talent needed.

Why am I doing this:

To meet, collaborate, create, inspire and network with people from all over the world like you!

If I receive Mail Art, I will share it with the world (facebook, twitter, blog and/or more)! In return you may do the same with the helpful links and names below and/or by posting a photo of your Mail Art package from Hazel Wonderland, remember to tag me!